Habitat - Indoor :: My turtles behavior has changed when moved to stock tank

[ricknlolo1010]

I recently purchased a stock tank for my RES. She does not seem to feel comfortable. When she was in her 10 gallon glass tank, she was active and swam a lot. I put her in a 15 gallon stock tank and she hid under her basking ramp for 4 days. Does the fact that she cannot see through the walls effect her mood/comfort? Will she eventually become comfortable? Should add plants or decorations to perhaps comfort her?

Has anyone had similar behavior when transferring their RES into a stock tank?

[TheComputerGremlin]

Hi, and welcome to the board!

How large is your turtle? A 15 gallon stock tank isn't much of an improvement from the 10 gallon tank and she will outgrow it just as quickly. The general rule is 10 gallons of water/tank per inch of turtle shell, so a 1 year old turtle at about 4" shell length already needs a 40 gallon tank. A full grown female may need as large as a 120 gallon tank/pond! 15 gallons is sufficient for a 1.5" hatchling. You may want to return the 15 gallon stock tank and save up your money for the future.

Yes, turtles' behavior will change when you alter their tank, esp. from clear glass to dark walls or vice versa. I would highly recommend adding decorations or other things to make your turtle feel more comfortable, like aquarium plants, a hiding place made out of very large PVC pipe, sand at the bottom, or other things. Generally, we say to give the turtle 2-4 weeks to become normal again, and if she still isn't normal by then, you may want to try other decorations or basking areas to see if she gets better.

[ricknlolo1010]

Thank you TheComputerGremlin.

I will definitely upgrade to a larger tank. I would prefer a glass tank, but they are so, so expensive. My husband and I have been doing our best to keep her happy. Like many other owners, we naively acquired her without knowing what we needed to keep her happy and healthy. Everything is good, except her tank size. She has grown immensely in the last year and all I want is for her to be the happiest and most comfortable she can be. I love her...never knew I could love a turtle SO much.

Thank you for your help and your suggestions. I love this forum.

[vear]

Hey ricknlolo, you should check craigslist everyday religiously. That's what I did... even various times a day! haha. I found a 75 gallon tank with a stand for $75 dollars. People are mostly willing to negotiate too, so even if you think the price is a bit high, it doesn't hurt to ask if they can bring it down.

Good luck!

[rsour24]

i recently got a crack on the bottom of my 30 gallon tank and had to move everyone into a 20 gallon tub for 2 days, it was a terrible time for myrtle hid in te corner and rarely moved. didnt bask at all. not that the tank is repaired and the cause eliminated myrtle is very happy. and i like watching them swim so id have to stick to a clear aquarium anyway